Zebra Mussel
ExploreInvertebrate
Zebra Mussel
Dreissena polymorpha
The Zebra Mussel is a small freshwater mollusk with striped shells. They attach to hard surfaces in lakes and rivers. Zebra Mussels can be harmful to the environment.
Habitat: Freshwater
Appearance
The Zebra Mussel has a distinctive D-shaped or triangular shell, typically measuring 0.5-4 cm. Its shell features a unique pattern of alternating dark and light zigzag stripes, resembling a zebra's markings. It often appears in dense clusters.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderVeneroidaFamilyDreissenidaeGenusDreissena
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single female Zebra Mussel can lay over one million eggs in just one year!
They arrived in North America in the 1980s, hidden in the ballast water of ships!
They attach so tightly to surfaces that removing them often causes damage underneath!
Zebra Mussels can survive out of water for several days if conditions are humid!
Special abilities
Ability
Anchor Grip
Zebra Mussels can securely attach to almost any hard surface using strong byssal threads because this helps them resist water currents.
Ability
Water Purifier
Zebra Mussels can filter large volumes of water by consuming plankton, helping to clarify their aquatic environment.
Ability
Rapid Colonizer
Zebra Mussels have a high reproductive rate and rapid growth that helps them quickly spread and dominate new habitats.
Ability
Survival Shield
Zebra Mussels have a hard, protective shell that helps them defend against predators and resist physical damage.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 5-40 mm
- Lifespan
- 1095-1825 days
- Leg Count
- 0
Diet & Feeding
They eat tiny floating organisms, helping to clear the water around them.
Primary Foods
- Phytoplankton
- Zooplankton
- Algae
- Bacteria
- Suspended organic matter
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
eaten by
Lesser Scaup
Aythya affinis
This diving duck consumes many zebra mussels as a food source.
eaten by
Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
Larger perch and other fish sometimes prey on zebra mussels.
eats
Blue-green algae
Microcystis aeruginosa
Filters vast amounts of this microscopic algae from the water column.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Filter Feeder
Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Invasive
Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or move Zebra Mussels. They can be sharp and may harm other animals in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Zebra Mussel?
5-40 mm
How long does Zebra Mussel live?
1095-1825 days
What does Zebra Mussel eat?
They eat tiny floating organisms, helping to clear the water around them.
Where is Zebra Mussel usually found?
Freshwater
How does Zebra Mussel hunt?
Filter Feeding
How many legs does Zebra Mussel have?
0
Snap Map
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